NEW ORLEANS – Pelicans coach Stan Van Gundy said an unexpected factor in the Knicks’ appearance this season was having what was known as “an additional training camp” in late summer because the new coach Tom Thibodeau entered his system.
Although it arrived before the free agency and draft in late September / early October, the Knicks and the so-called “Delete 8” organized nearly two weeks of team-organized activities. Van Gundy said the Knicks kept most of those players who participated in the OTAs.
Van Gundy, who, like his brother Jeff, is a friend of Thibodeau, said the 2019-20 Knicks season was hit by the initial shot from David Fizdale, which destroyed continuity.
This Knicks campaign could not have differed from a stability standpoint and continued along with their fourth straight win, 116-106, over the Pelicans on Wednesday.
“Tom got that little extra training camp over the summer with the bubble to start putting things together, so he had a little more time,” Van Gundy said. “So they kept doing the same thing all year. That helps, guys, when players play the same system all year. Continuity is a useful thing and Tom is a great coach and they have been able to learn the system and play the system from summer to training camp until the season. “
As the new coach, Van Gundy didn’t have that time because the Pelicans were in the Orlando bubble with former coach Alvin Gentry. Van Gundy clarified that it was fair for the “Delete 8” teams to have these OTAs because their seasons were reduced.
Thibodeau said the OTAs were useful in building “relationships” between the new coaching staff, the front office and the players more than anything.
The Knicks range from 29 to 27, and Van Gundy said he “plays as well as any team in the East.” Similar to his brother’s teams when Thibodeau was his assistant.
“It doesn’t really surprise me,” Van Gundy said. “I do not know why everyone is surprised. If you look at the Orient, your talent certainly matches the center of the Orient. I don’t look at the computer and say they don’t have anyone. Their talent is pretty good, no doubt compared to half the group in the east. I’m not sure why everyone is surprised, but whatever it is. “
Julius Randle continued his dominance with 32 points, scoring five triples. Van Gundy said he has gone from a “great scorer to a great global player, one of the best strikers in the league.”
“It was his five threes that hurt us,” he said. “The difference in the game is the three-point shot. Our three-point shot was not good enough. “
Nerlens Noel was forced to a substitution as Norvel Pelle couldn’t continue due to some rough treatment, forcing Norvel Pelle to come in off the bench. He acted well, blocking a shot from Zion Williamson and scoring his first two baskets in 14 minutes.
Thibodeau said he is not worried about the play-in tournament, which was recently attacked by Dallas owner Mark Cuban. Seeds 7-10 must organize a mini tournament to qualify for the playoffs.
“There are a lot of advantages,” Thibodeau said. “It simply came to our notice then. We must first let it play and evaluate it later. A lot of teams that play in big games are good for the league. “
The Knicks will face the Mavericks and Kristaps Porzingis next Friday on the two-game tour.